Texas & the Southern Plains is a region where everything really is bigger: the cities, the steaks, and the welcome. Dominating the south-central US, Texas encompasses diverse geography ranging from the piney woods of the east to the deserts of the west and the beaches of the Gulf Coast. The climate is generally hot, especially in summer, making air-conditioned attractions and water activities vital. It is a region of distinct cultural blends, mixing Southern, Western, and Mexican influences into something uniquely Texan.
Houston is a major draw for families, primarily for the Space Center Houston. Here, kids can touch a moon rock, see the control room from the Apollo missions, and tour the astronaut training facilities. The city also boasts an expansive Museum District. San Antonio is perhaps the most tourist-friendly city; the Alamo offers a history lesson on the Texas Revolution, while the River Walk provides a shaded, scenic path lined with restaurants and shops. Families can take a barge cruise along the river for a relaxing tour of the city.
Dallas and Fort Worth offer a contrast between modern luxury and cowboy heritage. In the Fort Worth Stockyards, families can watch the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive, where longhorns engage in a parade down the street. It’s a living history experience that feels like a movie set. Austin, the state capital, is famous for its live music and the nightly flight of 1.5 million bats from under the Congress Avenue Bridge—a spectacle that fascinates children. The nearby Texas Hill Country offers lakes and caverns for outdoor exploration.
The food scene is legendary. Texas BBQ (brisket and ribs) is a must-try, often served in casual settings where kids can run around. Tex-Mex cuisine is also ubiquitous and generally kid-friendly. Texans are known for their state pride and friendliness. Road tripping here requires planning as distances are long (crossing the state can take a full day), but the uniquely American roadside attractions (like the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo) keep the journey interesting.
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Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Features a high density of major attractions including Big Bend's unique desert landscapes, significant wildlife parks, and the Natural Bridge Caverns. Summer months are designated off-season due to extreme heat reaching 35°C, which can make outdoor exploration hazardous.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Boasts UNESCO-listed Spanish missions in San Antonio and world-class botanical gardens in Dallas and Fort Worth. The shoulder months offer a balance of lower crowds and manageable temperatures, while peak summer is avoided due to oppressive humidity.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Features the globally significant Space Center Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, providing world-class learning experiences. These facilities are mostly indoor, but the peak summer months are downgraded due to the discomfort of transiting between sites in 34°C+ heat.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Includes unique infrastructure like the Riversport OKC whitewater center and significant hiking networks like the Lone Star Trail. Optimal conditions are found in the transition seasons when temperatures are moderate for high-exertion activities.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Home to internationally recognized venues like the original Six Flags and the world-renowned Schlitterbahn waterpark. While summer is popular for water parks, the extreme July and August heat and winter closures for some facilities define the seasonal windows.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Padre Island National Seashore offers a major, undeveloped coastal experience unique to the Gulf Coast. Peak season aligns with the warmest water temperatures, though travelers should be prepared for high humidity and tropical precipitation patterns.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
SXSW is a globally significant cultural, technology, and film event that has massive international influence. The Houston Rodeo is also world-class. This merits 'good'.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Home to historic bathhouse districts and natural hot springs like Langford, offering a niche but authentic wellness experience. The peak windows avoid the humid heat of summer which can detract from the restorative nature of thermal baths.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Features celebrated routes like El Camino del Rio (River Road) through dramatic canyon scenery. Best experienced during spring and autumn when visibility is high and vehicle travel is not affected by extreme heat or winter icing on the plains.
Attractions (101 total)
Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Aquatica San Antonio
San Antonio
A tropical-themed aquatic park combining high-speed water slides with unique marine animal encounters and a large sandy beach wave pool.
Visit website →Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
Grand Prairie
An award-winning indoor waterpark featuring a massive retractable roof and a diverse range of year-round water attractions, including a surfing simulator.
Visit website →Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston
Galveston
Located on the Gulf Coast, this park offers a mix of indoor and outdoor thrills, featuring high-tech water coasters and relaxing river loops.
Visit website →Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Arlington
Arlington
This sprawling water park offers a massive variety of thrills, from extreme vertical drops to family splash zones, located near the major sports stadiums.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Big Bend National Park
Terlingua
A massive desert wilderness where the Rio Grande carves deep limestone canyons through the Chisos Mountains.
Visit website →Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Canyon
Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Texas,' this site features dramatic red rock formations and the iconic Lighthouse spire.
Visit website →Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Fredericksburg
A massive, ancient pink granite dome rising above the Texas Hill Country that is perfect for hiking and panoramic views.
Visit website →Hamilton Pool Preserve
Dripping Springs
A stunning natural grotto and swimming hole featuring a 50-foot waterfall spilling from a collapsed canyon ceiling.
Visit website →Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Lawton
An ancient granite mountain range in the Oklahoma plains protecting free-roaming bison, elk, and longhorn cattle.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Buckstaff Bathhouse
Hot Springs
Historic 1912 bathhouse in continuous operation. Offers traditional thermal mineral baths using 47°C natural spring water, featuring original whirlpool tubs, steam cabinets, and sitz baths in a Neoclassical setting.
Visit website →Langford Hot Springs
Big Bend National Park
Natural geothermal pool with 40.5°C (105°F) water containing calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, and sodium chloride. Located in the ruins of a 1909 bathhouse on the banks of the Rio Grande.
Visit website →Quapaw Baths & Spa
Hot Springs
A 1922 Spanish Colonial Revival bathhouse featuring large public thermal pools and private baths. Uses natural mineral water from the local hot springs, known for its high mineral content and therapeutic heat.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Dallas
A world-class 66-acre urban oasis featuring seasonal floral displays, manicured lawns, and themed gardens overlooking White Rock Lake.
Visit website →Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Fort Worth
The oldest botanic garden in Texas, renowned for its serene Japanese Garden with winding paths, koi ponds, and traditional wooden structures.
Visit website →Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Austin
The state botanical garden of Texas, dedicated to native plants with beautiful scenic trails, wildflower meadows, and distinctive limestone architecture.
Visit website →San Antonio Botanical Garden
San Antonio
A diverse 38-acre landscape featuring a futuristic glass conservatory, rose gardens, and trails representing the different ecological regions of Texas.
Visit website →Houston Botanic Garden
Houston
A living museum of plants showcasing global flora, tropical gardens, and coastal wetlands designed for discovery and education.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Dallas Museum of Art
Dallas
A dynamic cultural hub in the Dallas Arts District featuring over 24,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of human history.
Visit website →Kimbell Art Museum
Fort Worth
A world-renowned museum famous for its exceptional collection and iconic architecture designed by Louis Kahn and Renzo Piano.
Visit website →Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Fort Worth
A stunning Tadao Ando-designed building housing a massive collection of post-World War II international modern and contemporary art.
Visit website →Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Houston
One of the largest art museums in the United States, offering an expansive collection of world art and rotating exhibitions for all ages.
Visit website →The Menil Collection
Houston
An acclaimed museum and 30-acre campus offering a world-class collection of surrealist, medieval, and contemporary art in a peaceful setting.
Visit website →Blanton Museum of Art
Austin
The primary art museum of UT Austin, home to Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin' and a renowned collection of Latin American and European art.
Visit website →San Antonio Museum of Art
San Antonio
Housed in a historic former brewery, this museum features comprehensive collections of ancient Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American art.
Visit website →The Chinati Foundation
Marfa
A unique contemporary art museum established by Donald Judd on a former army base, featuring large-scale permanent installations integrated with the desert landscape.
Visit website →The McNay Art Museum
San Antonio
Texas's first modern art museum, set in a gorgeous Spanish Colonial Revival-style mansion with an impressive collection and outdoor sculptures.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Dallas Zoo
Dallas
Texas' largest zoo features the award-winning Giants of the Savanna habitat where elephants, giraffes, and zebras roam a massive multi-species grassland.
Visit website →Fort Worth Zoo
Fort Worth
Consistently ranked as one of the nation's top zoos, it features immersive habitats like Elephant Springs and the world-class MOLA herpetarium.
Visit website →Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Glen Rose
A premier drive-through safari park dedicated to conservation, allowing families to see and feed endangered species across 1,800 acres of rolling hills.
Visit website →Houston Zoo
Houston
A lush 55-acre oasis in the heart of the city, offering families close-up encounters with over 6,000 animals including a sprawling African Forest exhibit.
Visit website →Oklahoma City Zoo
Oklahoma City
This world-class zoo and botanical garden features the impressive Sanctuary Asia and Great Escape habitats in a beautifully landscaped setting.
Visit website →San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio
Set in a historic limestone quarry, this uniquely landscaped zoo provides a shaded walking experience through diverse wildlife habitats and scenic gardens.
Visit website →Gladys Porter Zoo
Brownsville
Internaturally renowned for its successful breeding of endangered species, this zoo features islands and waterways instead of traditional cages.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
El Camino del Rio (River Road - FM 170)
Presidio
80km paved highway (1.5-2 hours) hugging the Rio Grande. Features steep 15% grades, volcanic rock formations, and spectacular desert vistas between Presidio and Lajitas.
Visit website →Historic Route 66 (Texas Section)
Texola
286km paved route (3-4 hours) across the Texas Panhandle. Includes iconic stops like the Cadillac Ranch, the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, and historic motels in Amarillo.
Visit website →Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Big Bend National Park
48km paved road (1 hour) showcasing the geological history of Big Bend. Highlights include Sotol Vista, Mule Ears Peaks, and the dramatic 1,500-foot walls of Santa Elena Canyon.
Visit website →Talimena National Scenic Byway
Talihina
87km paved ridge-top road (2 hours) traversing the crest of the Ouachita Mountains into Arkansas. Renowned for its panoramic valley views and vibrant autumn foliage.
Visit website →Devil's Backbone (RM 32)
Wimberley
38km paved ridge-top drive (45 mins) connecting Wimberley and Blanco. Offers sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country limestone cliffs and rolling cedar-covered valleys.
Visit website →Willow City Loop
Willow City
21km paved scenic loop (45 mins) north of Fredericksburg. Internationally famous for its spring wildflower displays, featuring dense blankets of bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes.
Visit website →The Twisted Sisters (Ranch Roads 335, 336, 337)
Leakey
160km paved loop (3-4 hours) through the Texas Hill Country. Famous for challenging hairpins, steep climbs, and breathtaking views of canyons and the Frio River valley.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Fort Worth Stockyards
Fort Worth
A vibrant historic district featuring cattle drives, rodeos, and wooden corrals that bring the Old West to life for families.
Visit website →Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Dallas
Located in the former Texas School Book Depository, this museum chronicles the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.
Visit website →Fredericksburg Historic District
Fredericksburg
A Hill Country town renowned for its German heritage, limestone buildings, and the National Museum of the Pacific War.
Visit website →Gruene Historic District
New Braunfels
A former cotton-producing village famous for its 1878 dance hall, rustic charm, and historic general store.
Visit website →The Strand Historic District
Galveston
A charming Victorian-era district filled with 19th-century architecture, boutique shops, and historical museums near the Gulf Coast.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Salt Flat
This park preserves the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef and features the four highest peaks in Texas.
Visit website →Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Strong City
One of the last protected tallgrass prairies in North America, featuring wide horizons and a historic nineteenth-century ranch.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Guadalupe Peak Trail
Salt Flat
13.5km challenging 6-8 hour hike with 900m elevation gain. A steep and rewarding climb to the highest point in Texas, offering 360-degree views of the surrounding salt flats and mountain ranges.
Visit website →Lighthouse Trail
Canyon
9.2km moderate 2-3 hour hike or mountain bike ride with 150m elevation gain. Features the iconic Lighthouse rock formation in Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in the US. Bike rental: Palo Duro Canyon Trading Post (palodurotradingpost.com)
Visit website →Lone Star Hiking Trail
Richards
154km moderate 7-10 day trek with 1,500m elevation gain. The longest continuous hiking trail in Texas, winding through the dense loblolly pine forests and scenic bayous of the Sam Houston National Forest.
Visit website →Ouachita National Recreation Trail
Talihina
359km challenging 18-22 day trek with 10,000m elevation gain. This rugged interstate trail begins in Oklahoma's Talimena State Park and traverses the scenic ridges of the Ouachita Mountains.
Visit website →Outer Mountain Loop
Terlingua
48km challenging 3-day loop with 1,800m elevation gain. This premier backpacking route in Big Bend National Park combines high-altitude Chisos mountain ridges with rugged Chihuahuan Desert terrain.
Visit website →Mission Reach Trail
San Antonio
24km easy 2-4 hour cycle with 50m elevation gain. A paved riverside route connecting four historic Spanish colonial missions. Excellent for casual cycling and birdwatching. Bike rental: San Antonio BCycle (sanantonio.bcycle.com)
Visit website →Caprock Canyons Trailway
Quitaque
103km moderate 3-5 day multi-use gravel route with 600m elevation gain. A converted rail-to-trail path through red rock canyons, featuring the historic Clarity Tunnel and spectacular scenic overlooks.
Visit website →Enchanted Rock Summit Trail
Fredericksburg
2.1km moderate 1-2 hour hike with 130m elevation gain. A steady ascent up a massive pink granite monadnock that rises 425 feet above the surrounding terrain in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston
Renowned for its massive dinosaur hall, butterfly center, and planetarium, this museum offers world-class exhibits on natural history and science.
Visit website →Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Dallas
An architectural marvel featuring eleven permanent exhibit halls that explore everything from dinosaurs to the wonders of engineering and space.
Visit website →Space Center Houston
Houston
The official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center, featuring iconic spacecraft, astronaut training facilities, and interactive space exploration exhibits.
Visit website →Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Fort Worth
Offers a hands-on learning environment with a focus on regional science, energy, and history, including a planetarium and an IMAX theater.
Visit website →Witte Museum
San Antonio
Located on the banks of the San Antonio River, this museum showcases Texas history, nature, and science through interactive displays and life-sized dioramas.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
King Ranch
Kingsville
A legendary 825,000-acre working ranch offering guided tours of historic buildings, cattle operations, and native wildlife.
Visit website →Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm
Stonewall
An authentic early 20th-century farm where interpreters demonstrate traditional chores, livestock care, and cooking.
Visit website →Wildseed Farms
Fredericksburg
The largest working wildflower farm in the country, featuring extensive bloom fields, walking trails, and a butterfly garden.
Visit website →George Ranch Historical Park
Richmond
A living history site where families explore four generations of Texas ranching through historic homes and costumed demonstrations.
Visit website →National Ranching Heritage Center
Lubbock
A massive museum and historical park featuring over 50 authentic ranch buildings relocated to tell the story of the American West.
Visit website →Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
San Antonio
An African-style safari experience in the Texas Hill Country where visitors can feed exotic animals and visit a petting barn.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid
Galveston
One of the world's largest aquarium facilities housed in a striking 10-story blue glass pyramid featuring seals, penguins, and sharks.
Visit website →SeaWorld San Antonio
San Antonio
A world-class marine life theme park offering extensive aquarium exhibits, interactive dolphin encounters, and conservation education.
Visit website →Texas State Aquarium
Corpus Christi
A massive non-profit aquarium featuring a 400,000-gallon shark habitat and exhibits focusing on the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.
Visit website →The Dallas World Aquarium
Dallas
An immersive multi-level experience combining a lush rainforest canopy with diverse marine life from around the globe.
Visit website →Downtown Aquarium Houston
Houston
A 6-acre entertainment complex featuring a 500,000-gallon aquarium, themed shipwrecks, and a rare white tiger habitat.
Visit website →Oklahoma Aquarium
Jenks
Home to the world's largest collection of bull sharks viewed through a unique walk-through underwater tunnel.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Natural Bridge Caverns - Twisted Trails
San Antonio
A massive underground cavern system paired with the world's largest sky trail and zip rail adventure course for all ages.
Visit website →Riversport OKC
Oklahoma City
An official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site featuring world-class whitewater rafting, tubing, and high-speed zip lines over the river.
Visit website →Palo Duro Canyon Adventure Park
Canyon
Provides a thrilling zipline experience across the second-largest canyon in the United States, showcasing dramatic red rock scenery.
Visit website →Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Volente
Home to the longest zipline in Texas, offering high-speed flights across the scenic canyons and blue waters of Lake Travis.
Visit website →Waco Surf
Waco
A world-class inland surfing destination featuring a state-of-the-art wave pool, a cable park for wakeboarding, and high-intensity water slides.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Padre Island National Seashore
Corpus Christi
The world's longest undeveloped barrier island offers families pristine sandy beaches and a chance to witness protected sea turtle releases.
Visit website →Rockport Beach
Rockport
Texas' first certified Blue Wave Beach, known for its exceptionally clean sand, shallow swimming areas, and family-friendly picnic palapas.
Visit website →Isla Blanca Park
South Padre Island
A premier coastal recreation area at the southern tip of Texas featuring expansive white sands, fishing jetties, and excellent surfing conditions.
Visit website →Mustang Island State Park
Port Aransas
A five-mile stretch of sandy coastline providing families with a more natural beach experience perfect for camping, shelling, and birdwatching.
Visit website →Stewart Beach
Galveston
A top-rated family beach destination offering highly maintained sands, professional lifeguards, and comprehensive amenities including chair rentals and concessions.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
San Antonio
A UNESCO World Heritage site preserving four 18th-century Spanish colonial missions with stunning architecture and active church communities.
Visit website →Texas State Capitol
Austin
A magnificent pink-granite building taller than the U.S. Capitol, featuring historic legislative chambers and sprawling park-like grounds.
Visit website →The Alamo
San Antonio
An iconic 18th-century Spanish mission and fortress where a pivotal battle for Texas independence occurred, offering educational tours and historic exhibits.
Visit website →The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Dallas
Located in the former Texas School Book Depository, this museum provides a comprehensive look at the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.
Visit website →Presidio La Bahía
Goliad
A restored Spanish fort that played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution, offering families a look into the region's colonial military history.
Visit website →Bishop's Palace
Galveston
A stunning Victorian mansion also known as Gresham's Castle, famous for its intricate stone carvings, stained glass, and opulent Gilded Age interiors.
Visit website →Fort Davis National Historic Site
Fort Davis
One of the best-preserved 19th-century frontier military posts in the American West, nestled at the base of dramatic volcanic cliffs.
Visit website →San Jacinto Monument and Museum
La Porte
A 567-foot column topped with a massive star, commemorating the battle that won Texas its independence, featuring an observation deck and history museum.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
San Antonio River Walk
San Antonio
Stroll along this scenic network of walkways along the San Antonio River, lined with shops, restaurants, and lush landscapes.
Visit website →Reunion Tower
Dallas
Take in panoramic 360-degree views of the Dallas skyline from the iconic "Ball" observation deck high above the city.
Visit website →San Jacinto Monument
La Porte
Visit the world's tallest masonry column monument, commemorating the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels
New Braunfels
Consistently ranked among the world's best waterparks, it features natural spring-fed rivers and innovative water uphill coasters.
Visit website →Six Flags Fiesta Texas
San Antonio
Built into a limestone quarry, this park offers high-thrill coasters and spectacular entertainment against a unique cliffside backdrop.
Visit website →Six Flags Over Texas
Arlington
The original Six Flags park features world-class roller coasters and family-themed areas across several themed lands.
Visit website →Frontier City
Oklahoma City
A classic Western-themed amusement park in the Southern Plains offering heritage wooden coasters and pioneer-style atmosphere.
Visit website →Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston
An over-water amusement park featuring nostalgic rides and attractions extending directly over the Gulf of Mexico.
Visit website →Kemah Boardwalk
Kemah
A waterfront entertainment destination with classic boardwalk rides, seaside dining, and a massive wooden roller coaster overlooking Galveston Bay.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
South by Southwest (SXSW)
Austin
Mid-March, 10-day convergence of technology, film, and music industries, attracting over 300,000 global participants. Families can enjoy public outdoor concerts at Lady Bird Lake, the SXSW Gaming Expo, and various community screenings and exhibitions.
Visit website →Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Houston
Late February to mid-March, 20-day event, recognized as the world's largest livestock show and rodeo with over 2.5 million annual visitors. Extremely family-friendly featuring one of the world's largest carnivals, agricultural education centers, and nightly stadium concerts by international superstars.
Visit website →